WHY GO GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA AFTER COVID-19

The outbreak of Covid-19 has come with lots of impacts which among others have resulted into indefinite halting of travel plans among many travelers worldwide however, there is hope that one day we shall be in position to leave our homes once this crisis is all over. That said, one needs to think of that one exceptional destination to get refreshed once again.

There are a million reasons why gorilla trekking in Uganda after Covid-19 should be your bucket-list primate adventure. Uganda is undoubtedly one of the only 3 best places to visit in Africa and the world at large to view mountain gorillas while in the wild. The other 2 include the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.

Uganda presents visitors on Uganda safaris with opportunity to trek mountain gorillas in anyone of its 2 stunning gorilla parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. All the 2 gorilla protected areas are positioned suitably in Southwestern Uganda, about 8-10 hours’ drive from Entebbe or Kampala capital city.

Covid-19 crisis resulted into standstill of gorilla safaris and Uganda through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) like other conservation authorities took a move to suspend tourist activities in the respective gorilla parks purposely to minimize spread of this pandemic to mountain gorillas and other wildlife. This led to closure of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where gorilla trekking tours are conducted in Uganda plus other safari parks. It should be noted that mountain gorillas are human closest relatives in the wild the fact that their DNA is about 98 percent similar to humans. This puts them at a risk to catch the infectious human diseases.

For long, Uganda has been in position to contain pandemics and a lot more is done in accordance to the set guidelines and recommendations by the World Health Organization in fighting against Covid-19. And if the world complies to these guidelines, we believe that one day we shall overcome it and we shall have room to plan our holidays.

Why go gorilla trekking in Uganda after/post covid-19?

At Maranatha Tours and Travel, we believe that traveling is one best way for one to refresh. We arrange the best safaris for budget, mid-range and luxury travelers on Uganda gorilla safaris. What is most important is for you to reach our reservation team and let us have you realize your dreams come into reality. Among the many reasons why you should go gorilla trekking in Uganda after Covid-19 include;

Relatively cheaper gorilla permits

The reason why most tourists embark on gorilla trekking in Uganda is the fact it has positioned itself as a relatively affordable gorilla tour destination. Tourists on Uganda safaris can purchase a gorilla permit at $600 unlike $1500 in Rwanda. While this rate runs till 30^th, June 2020 Uganda still remains as affordable gorilla destination. Starting 1^st, July 2020 each gorilla permit in Uganda will cost $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and East African citizen can purchase a permit at shs.250000.

Distinct gorilla experience

Aside from gorilla trekking, Uganda also lets you engage in mountain gorilla habituation experience. This is an unusual gorilla experience which you won’t find anywhere on earth except only in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and presently, you can be part of this outstanding wildlife experience while exploring Kutu gorilla family.

Other amazing tourist attractions

Uganda hosts more than mountain gorillas. Uganda safaris let you explore and experience other unique attractions in various tourist sites including the tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park or visit Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo National Park for game viewing, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, visit the source of the Nile at Jinja and engage in a number of exhilarating water sports like white water rafting, bungee jumping, boat cruise and a lot more.

Home to many habituated gorilla families

Gorilla safaris in Uganda present trekkers opportunity to make their dreams come true given the numerous habituated gorilla groups. About 21 habituated gorilla families are available for gorilla trekking in Uganda and this makes it an ideal destination to visit after covid-19 crisis.

Measures put in place to minimize the spread of covid-19 on gorilla trek in Uganda

• All tour agencies, tour operators and accommodation premises should avail hand washing facilities with soap to visitors on board the tour vehicles/vessels.
• Tour operators and travel agencies should encourage visitors to put recommended masks (N95).
• Tour operators, agencies and accommodation owners should have stock of N95 masks for their travelers.
• Tour operators, agencies and accommodation facilities are required to educate their staff and travelers on safety measures to help reduce spread of covid-19.
• Other measures include avoid handshakes, body contact, disinfect your hands regularly and many more.

Safety measures/dos and don’ts for gorilla trekking

• In case of any cold or any infectious disease, you are advised not to go trek gorillas.
• Persons above 15 years are eligible to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.
• Always keep a distance of 7 meters from gorillas.
• No flashlight camera is allowed when taking pictures of gorillas.
• Only 8 tourists are accepted to track 1 gorilla family.
• Always maintain your voices low when trekking gorillas.
• Leave the habitat the way you found or in a better state.
• Burry all human waste about 30cms deep as instructed by the park ranger guide.
• Don’t touch gorillas even when they get close to you.
• Maintain a distance of 7 meters from gorillas.
• Don’t smoke, eat or drink in the presence of gorillas.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or nose when sneezing.

Where to spend a night on gorilla trekking in Uganda after covid-19

The best lodges to spend a night on Uganda gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park after covid-19 include Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and many more.

In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the available gorilla lodges include Kisoro Travelers Inn, Gahinga Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Kisoro Tourist Hotel.